Beanz Meanz Busy...

Thursday 21st February 2013Would you consider opening and heating a can of baked beans as 'cooking'?

Would you consider opening and heating a can of baked beans as 'cooking'?
A recent survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 25 per cent did, and 20 per cent of respondents believe that the idea of cooking can also be applied to microwaving a frozen dinner.
The poll was commissioned by cookbook publisher Parragon, who found that despite the popularity of cooking shows and celebrity chefs, only a third of us can claim we spend 40 minutes or more preparing a meal, compared to the 50 per cent of the previous generation that did so. Just 19 per cent of parents said they cooked dinner every night – although given the varying definitions that came out of the survey it is unclear what this involved!
However, Justine Roberts, Mumsnet CEO and co-founder, points out that parents shouldn't be made to feel guilty if they need to rely on quick options.
'Most of us are trying to juggle a vast array of tasks and responsibilities including raising children, paying rising bills and working long hours. There aren't many who have the time to plan and cook a gourmet meal every night and feeding our kids a straightforward jacket potato and baked beans doesn't make us bad parents.'
Rachel Demuth of the Vegetarian Cookery School in Bath, said she recognised time is an issue for many would-be cooks and the school provides specific 'Fast and Delicious' courses for just that reason, adding: 'There's nothing wrong with beans which definitely have their place in the storecupboard. Similarly, I often use tinned pulses in soups, patés, stews and salads while tinned tomatoes make great pasta sauces.'Vegetarian Living's nutrition editor Sue Baic confirms that convenience foods can have a place in a healthy diet for the family, as long as you choose wisely. 'Quick-cook rice, couscous, pasta and noodles all come in wholegrain varieties now and frozen and canned vegetables still count towards your five-a-day. Just remember to check the label of products like readymade sauces in terms of factors like fat and salt content.'